With rosters being expanded to 30 to start the season and the quick buildup to the regular season, it would be easy to assume that those four extra spots would go to pitchers.
Not so fast, Reds manager David Bell says.
“No, not necessarily,” Bell said. “That hasn’t been determined yet. There’s an argument for doing the opposite of that just because even though we have position players who will play every day, regardless of who the opposing pitcher, is you can create good matchups. We have the three-batter minimum rule, which creates pinch-hitting opportunities.”
Relief pitchers have to face three batters or finish an inning, so teams will likely pinch-hit for left-handed hitters when facing a lefty specialist.